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Definition

noun, plural: zygotenes

The sub-stage of prophase I of meiosis I in which the homologous chromosomes pair or come together in synapse.

Supplement

During the first prophase of meiosis I, there are five sub-stages: leptotene, zygotene, pachytene, diplotene and diakinesis.

The zygotene stage is also described as bouquet stage since the telomeres cluster at one end of the nucleus. This stage is also characterized by the synapsis that occurs at this stage.

Word origin: from Ancient Greek words: zygon (junction, yoke) + -tene (filament).,

Synonym: zygonema

See also: prophase I, meiosis I